B

1-Butanol

IUPAC: butan-1-ol

C4H10O Organic Compounds CAS 71-36-3
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Quick Reference
Formula / NotationC4H10O
CAS Number71-36-3
Molecular Weight74.12
Melting Point-129 °F (USCG, 1999)
Boiling Point243.9 °F at 760 mmHg (USCG, 1999)
Density0.81 at 68 °F (USCG, 1999) - Less dense than water; will float
Solubility9 % (NIOSH, 2024)
AppearanceN-butyl alcohol is a colorless liquid. Used in organic chemical synthesis, plasticizers, detergents, etc.
Also Known Asbutan-1-ol; Butan-1-ol; n-butanol; 71-36-3; Butyl alcohol; n-butyl alcohol; Propylcarbinol; 1-hydroxybutane; Butyl hydroxide; Methylolpropane
CategoryOrganic Compounds

What is 1-Butanol?

Butan-1-ol is a primary alcohol that is butane in which a hydrogen of one of the methyl groups is substituted by a hydroxy group. It it produced in small amounts in humans by the gut microbes. It has a role as a protic solvent, a mouse metabolite and a human metabolite. It is a primary alcohol, a short-chain primary fatty alcohol and an alkyl alcohol.

Formula & Notation

C4H10O

IUPAC Name: butan-1-ol

Other Names / Synonyms: butan-1-ol; Butan-1-ol; n-butanol; 71-36-3; Butyl alcohol; n-butyl alcohol; Propylcarbinol; 1-hydroxybutane; Butyl hydroxide; Methylolpropane

Properties & Characteristics

Appearance: N-butyl alcohol is a colorless liquid. Used in organic chemical synthesis, plasticizers, detergents, etc.. Molecular formula: C4H10O. Molecular weight: 74.12 g/mol. Boiling point: 243.9 °F at 760 mmHg (USCG, 1999). Melting point: -129 °F (USCG, 1999). Density: 0.81 at 68 °F (USCG, 1999) - Less dense than water; will float. Solubility: 9 % (NIOSH, 2024). Vapor pressure: 15.51 mmHg (USCG, 1999). LogP: 0.9.

Physical Data

PropertyValue
Melting Point-129 °F (USCG, 1999)
Boiling Point243.9 °F at 760 mmHg (USCG, 1999)
Density0.81 at 68 °F (USCG, 1999) - Less dense than water; will float
Molecular Weight74.12
Solubility9 % (NIOSH, 2024)
AppearanceN-butyl alcohol is a colorless liquid. Used in organic chemical synthesis, plasticizers, detergents, etc.

Uses & Applications

Used as an industrial feedstock, solvent, pharmaceutical intermediate, flavoring agent, or chemical building block.

Safety Information

Flammable or irritant. Many organic compounds are flammable liquids or vapours. Keep away from ignition sources. Consult SDS for specific hazard data.

Always consult the SDS/MSDS before handling any chemical. This information is for educational purposes only.

Key Facts

Term 1-Butanol
Formula C4H10O
CAS Number 71-36-3
Molecular Weight 74.12
Synonyms butan-1-ol; Butan-1-ol; n-butanol; 71-36-3; Butyl alcohol; n-butyl alcohol; Propylcarbinol; 1-hydroxybutane; Butyl hydroxide; Methylolpropane

Frequently Asked Questions

Butan-1-ol is a primary alcohol that is butane in which a hydrogen of one of the methyl groups is substituted by a hydroxy group. It it produced in small amounts in humans by the gut microbes. It has a role as a protic solvent, a mouse metabolite and a human metabolite. It is a primary alcohol, a short-chain primary fatty alcohol and an alkyl alcohol.

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Editorial standards: Chemical data is sourced from peer-reviewed literature, CAS Registry, NIST WebBook, and PubChem. Safety information reflects guidance from OSHA, ECHA, and IAEA. For educational purposes only — always consult official SDS documentation and qualified professionals before handling chemicals.